Articles by Caroline Preece, Freelance Contributor

As a freelance contributor, Caroline is a smart home enthusiast creating features, buying guides, and reviews for TechRadar. She got her start writing about technology as a staff writer for IT Pro and has spent the intervening decade writing about everything from films and TV to cryptocurrency (and a lot in between). She now works as the smart home editor for homes titles including Livingetc and Real Homes, bringing her experience with technology together with her personal passion for interiors and the home. Having recently purchased her first home - a small garden flat in Suffolk, England - she is taking advantage of no longer renting by making the flat as smart and automated as possible, installing smart heating, smart lighting, and a smart speaker in every room.

Articles by: Caroline Preece

How to watch 'The Scarecrow's Wedding' on BBC iPlayer (it's FREE)

By Caroline Preece published 25 December 25

News Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay’s big day gets the BBC Christmas special treatment — here’s how to watch it for free wherever you are

How to watch Celebrity MasterChef on BBC iPlayer — it's FREE

By Caroline Preece published 17 November 25

News MasterChef may be on pause, but Celebrity MasterChef is back — and you can stream it for free

The Celebrity Traitors UK LIVE: how to watch, free streams, live updates, Episodes 2 & 3

By Tom Bailey, Caroline Preece last updated 10 October 25

The Traitors UK is back but this time with a twist, as the castle will be filled with celebrities. Here's how you can watch The Celebrity Traitors for free from anywhere in the world.

The iRobot Roomba Combo j7+ docking its mop pad

iRobot Roomba Combo j7 Plus review

By Josephine Watson, Caroline Preece last updated 3 October 24

Recommended

It's no longer the newest Roomba around, but the Combo j7 Plus combo robovac-and-mop is still very capable.

The best ways to control your HomeKit smart home: from your TV to your Apple Watch

By Alistair Charlton last updated 24 June 24

Apple Watch now supports family sharing, but what is the best way to control your HomeKit smart home?

Echo Dot on a side table near a smart lock and a smart thermostat

Matter 1.0 means Black Friday is the perfect time to start your smart home

By Caroline Preece published 23 November 22

We look at why Black Friday is the ideal opportunity to invest in your smart home ahead of Matter's rollout.

Ezviz C6 2K+ Security Camera review

By Caroline Preece published 1 November 22

The Ezviz C6 security camera promises a panoramic view of your home, but how effective is it?

Ring vs SimpliSafe: which home security company offers the best protection?

By Caroline Preece published 18 October 22

We compare the home security offerings of two of the biggest players in the space, looking at cameras, subscription costs and more, but which will keep you safer?

The Matter 1.0 standard aims to unify your smarthome

Meet Matter 1.0: Why Google, Apple, and Samsung are holding hands in the smart home

By Jeremy Kaplan last updated 5 October 22

Matter 1.0 has finally been released. Here's what it means for the future of the smart home

I'm a lifelong iPhone user, but have never tried HomeKit - this is what I'm excited about

By Caroline Preece published 7 September 22

As I get ready to welcome a HomePod Mini into my home, I review the best features of a HomeKit smart home.

How to create a home security system on a budget: affordable bundles to keep you safe

By Caroline Preece last updated 5 September 22

Want to build a home security system but don't have a lot of cash? We'll tell you how.

Apple HomeKit devices: great smart home appliances that work with the smart home system

By Jon Porter last updated 5 September 22

UPDATED A roundup of some of the most notable HomeKit devices that work with Apple's 'smart house' software.

There's never been a better time to get started with smart plugs

By Caroline Preece published 5 September 22

Want to save money on your energy bills? Now might be the time to invest in some smart plugs for your home.

How to install a Ring doorbell: a step by step guide

By Caroline Preece published 22 July 22

Everything you need to know about installing a Ring doorbell, for renters and homeowners alike

Do smart thermostats save money?

By Caroline Preece published 21 July 22

We investigate whether installing a smart thermostat can freeze costs in winter and throughout the rest of the year.

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